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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Wherefore also we make it our aim whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing unto him." 'For what we seek for is this,' saith he, 'whether we be there or here, to live according to His will; for this is the principal thing. So that by this thou hast the kingdom already in possession without a probation.' For lest when they had arrived at so great a desire of being there, they should again be disquieted at its being so long first, in this he gives them already the chief of those good things. And what is this? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
The main thing one should be concerned about is to please God in one's life. Lest, hearing about departure, you think that it alone is sufficient for your salvation, he says: strive to depart as one well-approved, that is, lead a life here as well that is pleasing to God.
Clement of Alexandria
And comparison obtains in the case of things that fall under resemblance; as the more valiant man is more valiant among the valiant, and most valiant among cowards. Whence he adds, "Wherefore we strive, whether present or absent, to be accepted with Him," that is, God, whose work and creation are all things, both the world and things supramundane.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
He follows this with an account of the preparation for the reward which is accomplished by the struggle against temptations and by exercising good works. But the saints are prepared for this reward in three ways. First, by pleasing God; secondly, by helping their neighbor (v. 11); thirdly, by removing carnal affections from themselves (v. 16). They please God by resisting evil. …
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